New Delhi: The first-generation Honda NSX has long been heralded as one of the prettiest and most iconic sports cars in the world, developed between 1990 and 2006 with the input from the F1 legend Ayrton Senna himself. The Japanese carmaker had its sights set on the Ferrari grand tourers of the era, the 328 and later the 348, aiming to redefine the idea of the sports car with similar levels of performance, improved handling dynamics and greater reliability. And despite shoddy sales, Honda has delivered on its promises, creating a sports car that would outshine both the Italians and the Germans at their own game.
That Honda NSX is now being revived as an ultra-modern supercar reinterpretation with the latest technology and mechanics derived from modern-day motorsports. To be built as an ultra-limited series production car by JAS Motorsports, Honda’s official racing partner since 1998, the NSX restomod will be developed with the same values that underpinned the original 1990 generation model. Named Tensei after the Japanese word for rebirth, this will be the first high-performance road car from JAS and will be based on the chassis from first-generation NSX donor cars.
JAS Motorsports is collaborating with Pininfarina, the same Italian design house that styled the original concept in 1984. The Tensei remains real to its roots by carrying the neo-retro look that most people wanted in a vintage type of automobile, with the more aggressive front fascia and seemingly retaining the iconic pop-up headlamps, albeit with slim LED DRLs up front. The NSX looks timeless; there is not much that needs to be changed apart from the latest body, made entirely from carbon fibre. Modern alloy designs, more optimised aerodynamics, massive side intakes, and the sporty rear-end that continues the iconic connected taillamp design above a fatter diffuser with A-shaped exhaust tips. The interiors will be upgraded as well, but the cabin is yet to be revealed.
